CHAPTER 3 MED. TERMINOLOGY DR. VAN ELSWYK USF: Body, Diagnosis, Equipment, Instruments and Treatment

Proximal

First parts of fingers or toes; closer to the point of origin.

Distal

Last parts of fingers or toes; farther from the point of origin.

Cephalic

Referring to the head.

Plantar

Referring to the sole of the foot.

Palmar

Referring to the palm of the hand.

Flexion

The process of bending.

Extension

The process of stretching out.

Supination

Turning upward, such as turning the palm up.

Pronation

Turning downward, such as turning the palm down.

Recovery Position

Position used to minimize movement until normal body functions are restored.

Prone Position

Lying face-down, either in anatomical position or with arms at angles.

Anatomical Position

Body erect with arms and hands turned forward.

Supine Position

The body or any body part lying in an upward position.

Dorso/recumbent Position

Lying on the back; used for gynecological and urinary exams.

Dorso/sacral Position (Lithotomy)

Lying on back with legs raised closer to the chest.

Knee-chest Position (Genu/pectoral)

Patient is on knees with chest face-down.

Sims' Position

Lying on left side, right knee drawn up, chest inclined forward.

Fowler's Position

Head is raised about 18 inches with knees elevated.

Trendelenburg Position

Lying on back with head lowered; used for abdominal surgery and shock.

Opisthotonos Position

Backward bending of the body, seen in nervous system complications.

Lateral

Referring to the side.

Central

Referring to the center.

Posterior (Dorsal)

Referring to the back of the body.

Anterior (Ventral)

Referring to the front of the body.

Superior

Above.

Inferior

Below.

Cranial

Referring to the skull.

Caudal

Referring to the tail.